The Theory of the Entourage Effect of Cannabinoids & less Drug Interaction

The easiest example of this is the theory argues that CBD or THC used together, as well as in conjunction with the other cannabinoids and terpenes and components that there normally found together within the plant, work best all together as a group as opposed to just grabbing THC or grabbing CBD out of there as an isolate and putting that into a product or medication.

Marlboro Is Entering The Cannabis Market

Altria, the maker of Marlboro cigarettes announced it intends to invest 2.4 billion Canadian dollars ($1.8 billion) into the cannabis producer Cronos.

Altria's efforts to enter the cannabis space "coincided with a rising interest among the major tobacco companies to explore the cannabis opportunity in the U.S.," Vivien Azer, a Cowen analyst recently said.

CBG (Cannabigerol)

Cannabigerol (CBG) is one of more than 120 identified  cannabinoid compounds found in the plant  Cannabis. 

CBG is the decarboxylated form of cannabigerolic acid, the parent molecule from which other cannabinoids are synthesized. 

Cannabigerol is a minor constituent of cannabis. During plant growth, most of the cannabigerol is converted into other cannabinoids, primarily tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) or cannabidiol (CBD), leaving about 1% cannabigerol in the plant.

What Are the Effects of CBG?

CBG carries some important therapeutic benefits that make it well worth discussing.Cannabigerol has been observed to have one of the widest ranging impacts of any of the naturally occurring cannabinoids. 

Research has been shown, that this non-psychoactive cannabinoid, activate α2-adrenoceptors, bind to CB1 and CB2 receptors, and block CB1 and 5-HT1A receptors. 

Another research shows that CBG blocks transient receptor potential (TRP) M8 (TRPM8), activates TRPA1, TRPV1, and TRPV2 channels and inhibits the reuptake of endocannabinoids.

This wide range of effects on various systems in the body results in a long list of potential medicinal benefits which we outline below. One notable synergy is CBG's interaction with the endocannabinoid system. By acting as a mild CB1 receptor antagonist, it acts to help reduce the less desirable effects of ingesting psychoactive amounts of THC.

Medical Benefits of CBG

Bone growth and healing - A 2007 study pointed to CBG and other cannabinoids as being effective in the healing of bone fractures by promoting new bone growth.

Cancer-fighting - In a 2014 study focused on colorectal cancer (CRC) noted that this cannabinoid "inhibited the growth of xenograft tumors as well as chemically induced colon carcinogenesis" and "should be considered translationally in CRC prevention and cure."

Pain relief - CBG among other cannabinoids have been shown as effective in reducing pain from a wide range of sources including being caused by multiple sclerosis and cancer. The study also shows that these cannabis-based medicines could be combined with other pharmaceuticals in the treatment of pain.

Anti-inflammatory + Anti-Oxidant - A wide range of studies point to this and other phytocannabinoids as being effective in reducing inflammation.

Reduces intraocular pressure - Among the range of available cannabinoids, cannabigerol has shown to be particularly effective in treating glaucoma.

Antibacterial and antifungal - The major cannabinoids all exhibit antibacterial and antifungal and antimicrobial properties. Specifically, CBG has been shown to be highly effective against MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus)

Depression and anxiety - A 2016 report cites CBG as 'a neglected phytocannabinoid' going on to suggest that this and other phytocannabinoids could provide effective non-psychoactive alternatives for treating anxiety and depression.

Neuroprotective - A 2015 animal-based study cited cannabigerol as being "extremely active as neuroprotectant". The conclusion of the research points to phytocannabinoids being used alone or in tandem with other therapies in the treatment of diseases like Huntington's, Parkinson's, and Alzheimer's, disease.

Overactive bladder treatment - Both CBG and THCV were observed in a 2015 study to have the strongest ability to reduce bladder contractions when compared across all phytocannabinoids.

Appetite stimulant - Observed in animal models, this cannabinoid was studied in 2016 an effective appetite stimulant. This points to a non-psychoactive application for the treatment of eating conditions and managing weight.

Psoriasis treatment - Endocannabinoid receptors present in the skin allow for the use of topical cannabinoid applications as a possible treatment for psoriasis and other skin conditions.

THE FUTURE OF CBG

As the research of this interesting phytocannabinoid continues to blossom and breeders continue to create strains with larger quantities of the molecule, CBG will, without a doubt, be awarded its rightful place among the pantheon of healing cannabinoids.

As cannabis medicine evolves over time, it will be interesting the see CBG play a role as an individual cannabinoid, as well as in synergy with other components of the cannabis plants that are showing vast potentials such as cannabinoids and terpenoids.

7 Science-Supported Benefits of CBD for Seniors!

In the last few years, CBD has sparked a massive shift in the health and wellness communities as people are finding natural relief for their health conditions.

Based on the findings from multiple research studies, CBD can provide natural relief for over fifty conditions including arthritis, multiple sclerosis (MS), epilepsy, numerous stress-related disorders, and more.

While the properties of CBD can certainly benefit individuals of every age, in this article,  we'll focus in the population that most affected by severe health conditions.

So let’s explore the amazing benefits of CBD for seniors and  the massive impact CBD can have on this group of individuals.

1. CBD can help manage pain

First on our list, is CBD’s ability to alleviate a condition that nearly every senior deals with―pain and inflammation.

Studies have shown that CBD can reduce inflammation and alleviate pain from conditions such as Arthritis, Joint Paint and Multiple Sclerosis (MS).

By activating various receptors in the Endocannabinoid System, experts have found that patients treated with CBD experience a “clinically significant reduction” in pain related symptoms with little to no adverse side effects.

As a natural alternative to traditional pain medications, CBD creates a compelling case for health care professionals and senior caregivers.

HPC’s 2018 Survey: Clinicians Show Positive Attitudes on CBD, Cannabis

How do medical professionals feel about cannabis and CBD?

According to Holistic Primary Care’s 2018 clinician survey, the attitudes are generally positive, at least among holistic and functional medicine practitioners. Many are already on board with CBD, and others are interested and willing to learn.

The survey, which fielded from March through May of this year, and obtained responses from 469 practitioners, included the following question:

In recent years, interest in cannabis and cannabis-derived substances like CBD has soared among researchers, clinicians, and the general public. Which statement best describes your views on Cannabis and CBD?

• 56% chose “CBD & cannabis-derived substances have therapeutic value and should be used more widely”

• 26% chose “CBD & cannabis have clinical value, but should only be available by prescription from a licensed practitioner”

• 17% chose “I am not yet convinced that CBD or cannabis have therapeutic value, but I am open to seeing further research”

• 2% chose “Neither cannabis nor CBD have therapeutic benefits; they are drugs of abuse and do not belong in any legitimate medical practice.